Hurricane Katrina Disaster

[GrinR]

Hurricane Katrina has hit many of our southern states, causing unprecedented death and destruction. Currently the news is reporting mostly on New Orleans (http://www.nola.com/newsflash/louisiana/index.ssf?/base/national-50/1125405843191800.xml&storylist=njkatrina) , but the catastrophe covers far more area (http://news.ft.com/cms/s/0c65fb96-1989-11da-804e-00000e2511c8.html) than just that city.

http://images.chron.com/content/news/photos/05/08/29/katrina_box.jpg

Per AP:
"Two levees broke and sent water coursing into the streets of the Big Easy a full day after New Orleans appeared to have escaped widespread destruction from Hurricane Katrina. An estimated 80 percent of the below-sea-level city was under water, up to 20 feet deep in places, with miles and miles of homes swamped."

I urge everyone who can help in any way to donate to Relief Organizations (http://www.redcross.org/). I wish I had more concentrated information, but this is going on as we speak.

[swiller]

Hundreds of thousands of people are left homeless whole cities and towns have been destroyed. It is nice to see how the world community reacts to an American disaster. I hope every American takes note of this and when the next huge disaster hits a country. We offer them the same assistance they are offering the trapped and homeless people in our country because of this.

[RevGored]

Hundreds of thousands of people are left homeless whole cities and towns have been destroyed. It is nice to see how the world community reacts to an American disaster. I hope every American takes note of this and when the next huge disaster hits a country. We offer them the same assistance they are offering the trapped and homeless people in our country because of this.

How is the global community reacting? I haven't seen anything regarding this yet.

[AnthraxKitty]

How is the global community reacting? I haven't seen anything regarding this yet.

I'm not really sure there has been a reaction yet.

[swiller]

"How is the global community reacting? I haven't seen anything regarding this yet"

Well that is my problem, they are not. Other than putting little snippets in there news stories about global warming and some are even inisuating that it is our fault. Say what you will about our government, but countries leapt at the chance to help in Asia after the Sunami.

An American disaster, not a peep. Other than Americans standing up to help their fellow folks. Take note over the next few days. I would not be suprised to see the Russians offering aid before our allies.

[bobbler]

I knew a Katerina once... she was a bitch.

[automaton]

The fucking hurricane was called KATRINA.

As someone who lives in Baton Rouge (very close to New Orleans) I can tell you that no one can really do anything yet. We are still watching the disaster unfold. Sure, the hurricane has come and gone but horrific events are still taking place. Local news just announced that several water pumps that were keeping the water at bay are going to fail in a few hours sending 9 feet of water into the entire area. They need the water to start receding before any relief efforts or reconstruction can begin.

I can't believe the poor media coverage here. If this was New fucking York, every channel would have every single asset on the ground running wall to wall coverage commercial free. This is one of the greatest natural disasters of our time and you have to set your TV on CNN to hear anything. Our local channels are providing full coverage and I can't believe some of the pictures I am seeing.

The company I work for has branch in New Orleans and we are estimating that it will be about a month before we are going to be able to make an on site assessment. Thank god they are on the 11th floor of a high rise.

[Arcane]

"How is the global community reacting? I haven't seen anything regarding this yet"

Well that is my problem, they are not. Other than putting little snippets in there news stories about global warming and some are even inisuating that it is our fault. Say what you will about our government, but countries leapt at the chance to help in Asia after the Sunami.

An American disaster, not a peep. Other than Americans standing up to help their fellow folks. Take note over the next few days. I would not be suprised to see the Russians offering aid before our allies.

I think the significant difference here is that America is in a situation where it has the resources to help itself. The area's affected by the Asian Tsunami did not.

Not to diminish the needs of the people savaged by Katrina, but several hundred thousand people died in the Tsunami, where at this stage estimations for death from Katrina are in the hundreds.

They are both massive disasters, but very different situations.

[Sinistar]

I have friends in New Orleans who have probably lost everything and family in Mobile who are going to be without electricity for up to a week. As a matter of fact, aside from being my brother, he's a regular reader and sometimes contributer to this very site - Salat.

All I can say is that this is just awful. A real life natural catastrope is happening right before our very eyes. This is not a time for joking around. I can't imagine the months and years that lay ahead for the people in Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama. It's going to be a long time before they are firmly back on their feet.

Please do whatever you can think you can do to help out.

Send money or food or clothing if you can.

If not then try and find out if anyone in your local area is going to be making the trek into that 3-state area and try helping them out - offer the cut their grass, walk their dog - bring them dinner - anything!

For crying out loud - Evil posts a "request" to help pay for hosting charges and everyone here pats themselves on the back for donating to the cause. Forgo that coffee tomorrow and call up the red cross and send them $5. Everything you do makes a difference!

www.redcross.org (http://www.redcross.org/)

[swiller]

"I think the significant difference here is that America is in a situation where it has the resources to help itself. The area's affected by the Asian Tsunami did not."

I am sorry, but we are not. When you have to go through the rubble of thousands of houses or worse yet they are under water. This is not your normal hurricane and every hour matters.

We are not the invincable supermen living here, as some might think. Most are regular folks just getting by. The hundred dead is most likely going to turn into thousands of dead over the next few days.

Most that survive will remember the response that they got from those around the world. As most people that survive a tragedy do.

[Abednigo]

My parents and brothers live in Covington (north of New Orleans). My brothers went to stay in Baton Rouge (they're fine). My parents went to Hammond. Still no word from them, but the northshore was spared the worst, so I'm certain they're okay. But I'll feel better when I hear from them.

[RevGored]

"I think the significant difference here is that America is in a situation where it has the resources to help itself. The area's affected by the Asian Tsunami did not."

I am sorry, but we are not. When you have to go through the rubble of thousands of houses or worse yet they are under water. This is not your normal hurricane and every hour matters.

We are not the invincable supermen living here, as some might think. Most are regular folks just getting by. The hundred dead is most likely going to turn into thousands of dead over the next few days.

Most that survive will remember the response that they got from those around the world. As most people that survive a tragedy do.

FYI America is currently the 4th place for gross national income per head in the world, which means that the situation is different. The loss of human life is never funny, and I'm not debasing the incident, but there is a massive difference between the two situations cited.

Also, America hasn't really endeared itself to the rest of the world in the last couple presidential terms, if you hadn't noticed. Forcing social policy onto other countries because you don't believe that they can form thier own governmental systems isn't exactly the best way to get pats on the back from the rest of the globe.

If you look at it realistically, the USA is the land of Live AID and Hands Across America, whereas even 'first world' countries like Britain and Eastern Europe are still stuck in the dark ages, so to speak - internal terrorist organizations, housing without running water and electricity - you need to put into perspective the fact that the United States is one of the most high-profile places in the world to live, as far as basic needs go.

[Arcane]

I am sorry, but we are not. When you have to go through the rubble of thousands of houses or worse yet they are under water. This is not your normal hurricane and every hour matters.

We are not the invincable supermen living here, as some might think. Most are regular folks just getting by. The hundred dead is most likely going to turn into thousands of dead over the next few days.

Most that survive will remember the response that they got from those around the world. As most people that survive a tragedy do.
I think you may be misinterpreting what I am saying. I am not trying to diminish the tragedy, I was just highlighting that the aid contributions required between the Tsunami and Katrina is a very different situation. There is very little that the rest of the world could provide that the US cannot handle on its own.

As far as sympathy is concerned, don't be deluded into thinking that the rest of the world doesn't care - we do, well at least i do!

[Sinistar]

Please stop this - not in this tread - take it over to the forums. This is too big and too important TODAY.

[theraindog]

Implying that this disaster, which is indeed horrific and getting worse by the hour, is even remotely comparable to the Asian Tsunami is just... wow. American narcissism at its best.

[theraindog]

http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20050829/pl_afp/usweathervenezuelaoil

Hugo Chavez cares, too. I wonder if Pat Robertson has any food or fuel to offer.

[XenonCJ]

Implying that this disaster, which is indeed horrific and getting worse by the hour, is even remotely comparable to the Asian Tsunami is just... wow. American narcissism at its best.Nice. And what do we have here? Another European who hates America because it's fashionable?

Katrina probably would have been worse had America not invented and launched the satalites to visualize it as well as invent the computers to analyze and predict it.

I guess people just don't like people who can take care of themselves and be leaders.

[DJACE]

http://illwillpress.com/kat.html

I had something to say, but Foamy said it better

[Zeal]

Prayers go out to those who lost their lives and homes.

Lets hope the federal aid will be enough to help.

(This thing makes videogame discussions seem ridiculously trivial. Almost embarassing.)

[Savok]

The Australian people are with the victims, even if the slack jawed, knuckle dragging media (http://jameswolcott.com/archives/2004/09/an_ignoble_conf.php) the world over isn't, and refuses to say that we, or anyone else are.

[CapnBob]

Half my family is currently homeless and jobless, and they were among the lucky ones in this disaster.

I do not count on aid or sympathy from a world that is still wary about our government after the outpouring of support that we received in 2001 was rewarded with the slap in the face that became the Iraq conflict, a world that remembers how our government offered a pittance of 15 million in aid for the asian tsunami. Our own president spent the first day of this week's tragedy playing golf.

What I expect is for Americans to take their own initiative in donating to relief efforts, offering temporary jobs and housing to those displaced by the devastation if you have the means to, and just be thankful for any aid we do receive from the rest of the world.

If we want to actually live up to this self-important image of the greatest nation in the world, let's fucking do it ourselves and stop pointing the finger at everyone else like we're entitled to handouts.

[Beelzebud]

My god this is just horrible....

I was just in N.O. earlier this summer. I just wan to cry............

[DaXIthR]

Not to clown on the people affected by Katrina, but this hurricane is one one-thousandth of the Asian Tsunami. If that much.

Sorry if I sound like an asshole, but if you really think that this is devastation and destruction...then perhaps it might give you some insight into how massive the December 26 earthquake/tsunami was.

I don't mean to clown on hurricanes at all. I've lived most of my life between Jamaica and Barbados. I have seen my share.

What's unfolding in the south is terrible, but the worst IS over. The levees that were in danger of breaking have broken and are being sandbagged. The storm is passed. The waters are beginning to subside. Of course, there will be long-term damage...but that's why these events are called natural disasters.

If anything, we should be grateful the storm hit when it did, and not 12 hours prior. It was a beast then.

Sorry if I'm rambling.

Peace.

[TheBrainKills]

CapnBob this is 2 posts that I have seen you post that you earnd my respect.
This is a tragididy, New orleans should have declared martial law when they orderd a mandatory evacuation, "mandatory evacuation" what the fuck is that? Say all looters will be shot on sight! Any body left in the city is a dumb fuck! I am sorry but when I saw the pictures of the storm before it hit the coast you had to know it was a killer! As far as the rest of the world coming to your help ... good luck .. what about Somalia? where were you there? If there isnt any oil there , there isn't any help. Plain and simple.

[Jetherik]

Half my family is currently homeless and jobless, and they were among the lucky ones in this disaster...

If we want to actually live up to this self-important image of the greatest nation in the world, let's fucking do it ourselves and stop pointing the finger at everyone else like we're entitled to handouts.

Our thoughts, prayers to all who were affected by this storm. At least your family was smart enough to heed the warnings and either get out of town, or seek shelter. The people killed by the Tsunami had no warning as everyone who was hit by Katrina did.

CapnBob is right though - if we consider ourselves the greatest nation, then it is we who have to donate, help, etc. It doesn't matter what the world is doing, it only matters what we are doing.

[Bone]

DaXIthR, the worst is NOT over. The water is still rising, the efforts to plug the levees failed, and the rescue system is already too strained to help the people out of water and electricity.

I have 20 family members without homes and jobs at this point. Most of them came to Houston to stay with my parents, but one cousin is an ER doctor and one is a respiratory therapist- they both stayed behind to do their jobs and only just got airlifted from the hospitals in downtown New Orleans.

I'm still in shock. My hometown, my entire roots have been swept away along with the 60 year old house where my mother and her 4 siblings were born. I remember a few years ago when Jarrell, TX was wiped out by tornados. The next year, it was eerie driving through a town where everything was brand new, every piece of wood. I can't imagine old New Orleans like that.

[HALO 32]

Makes me think alot, i was down there in last year, i was saying in the french quarter, i went down buron street, i saw the super dome...i wouldnt be supprsied if the hotel i stayed in the french quarter is gone

[ldi222]

As far as the rest of the world coming to your help ... good luck .. what about Somalia? where were you there? If there isnt any oil there , there isn't any help. Plain and simple.

That has got to be one of the most offensive things Ive read in quite sometime. Im going to try hard not to generalize all canadians with that comment.

I agree we should be self sufficient as a world leader with ample resources but it would be nice to have an offer of assistance from some of our "allies."

[MongolHunter]

It's pretty awful whats happening in New Orleans but media coverage is not what should be discussed, the relief efforts and the aid they are getting should be getting more. The disaster is subsiding now it seems.

However..

countries like Britain and Eastern Europe are still stuck in the dark ages, so to speak - internal terrorist organizations, housing without running water and electricity - you need to put into perspective the fact that the United States is one of the most high-profile places in the world to live, as far as basic needs go.

Britain? I really hate having to live with all these terrorists next door to me though we all agree though that if we had running water and eletricity we'd probably be happier. In more serious terms, have you been to Eastern Europe? "No running water or electricity?" while it may not be as consumerist and luxurious as in other countries you'll find that most teenagers have mobile phones, watch tv and have a great life like everyone else.

That has got to be one of the most offensive things Ive read in quite sometime. Im going to try hard not to generalize all canadians with that comment.

I agree we should be self sufficient as a world leader with ample resources but it would be nice to have an offer of assistance from some of our "allies."

Your Allies have already given you soldiers and funding for an occupation that results in the sons and daughters of their country being blown up on the roadside and then when they offer treaties to help everyone in the world via lowering carbon emmissions they get the paper thrown back in their face as they're told it would hurt the 'US economy'. I'd say it'd be nice if there was less expectancy and more gratitude to the world.

[ldi222]

I was referring to canadians, not the British. Americans are grateful for their friendship. I dont want to turn this into a bickering about nations, I just think there are more important things to focus on in this thread right now than hurling insults at a nation with a region in crisis.

[if76]

I'm from New Orleans and my house is uptown (that last 20 percent that hasn't flooded yet). I'm just hoping that they fix the levee before it goes underwater. I'm in memphis now with some friends. I hope I have a city to go back to.

[Savok]

Wow, talk about fuckwit moonbats polluting humanity.

"You evil Americans! The tsunami in Asia was worse (it may have even been a Rovian plot), you should celebrate the death and destruction of your homeland. Lets all get in a chanting circle and blame Bush for the hurricane."

[theraindog]

Nice. And what do we have here? Another European who hates America because it's fashionable?

Katrina probably would have been worse had America not invented and launched the satalites to visualize it as well as invent the computers to analyze and predict it.

I guess people just don't like people who can take care of themselves and be leaders.
Actually, I'm an American citizen. One who sees that Katrina and the Asian Tsunami were orders of magnitude apart when it comes to not only damage done and lives lost, but also when we consider the affected country's ability to deal with the disaster on its own.

[TheBrainKills]

That has got to be one of the most offencive things Ive read in quite sometime. Im going to try hard not to generalize all canadians with that comment.

I agree we should be self sufficient as a world leader with ample resources but it would be nice to have an offer of assistance from some of our "allies."


Sorry.. but it pisses me off when people do not listen to warnings and then cause strain on relief efforts. People die when some idiot thinks they are invincible, causing a rescue when it was more needed elsewhere. You have to believe that the response to a major natural disaster would have been better coming from the most powerful Nation in the world..

As far as Somalia ... I am sorry, I was just speaking my mind ( a little drunk)


Ps. and if you do generalize all Canadians on my statement then you must be a true generalized American.

[ldi222]

Ps. and if you do generalize all Canadians on my statement then you must be a true generalized American.

ok, fair enough. On another note, this is a pretty interesting blog to read about the situation in downtown New Orleans: http://www.livejournal.com/users/interdictor/

[Evil Avatar]

Sorry if I sound like an asshole, but if you really think that this is devastation and destruction...then perhaps it might give you some insight into how massive the December 26 earthquake/tsunami was.

There is no such thing as a "little" devastation and destruction. This is a major tragedy.

But, we will take care of our own and in the spirit of the USA, we will also take care of the rest of the world when a disaster hits somewhere else.

[Evil Avatar]

I'm from New Orleans and my house is uptown (that last 20 percent that hasn't flooded yet). I'm just hoping that they fix the levee before it goes underwater. I'm in memphis now with some friends. I hope I have a city to go back to.

if76!!! Dude, I'm so glad to see you back online. I know you probably lost everything, but at least you are Ok.

Your city will be there again. It will get rebuilt and (if necessary) you will get a new house and new stuff. As long as you are alive.

Whew!

[GrinR]

I made this post with the clear intention to bring awareness to a human catastrophe in progress, so that those who wanted to help could - and could communicate with each other about how to do so. The EvilAvatar community has always been my favorite because of its honesty and its intelligence.

Coming back hours later to this post and finding it packed top to bottom with this petty and often inhuman flamewar makes me sick to my stomach. If you do not have the decency to see a terrible disaster and want to help people in need, if you instead feel that your personal grudges are more important than helping, and if you cannot bear to remain silent in place of your urge to self-aggrandize your political opinions, I can do nothing but throw my hands up in despair at yet another example of man's base inhumanity to man.

Because that is what your contribution represents.

[Opty]

First: the tsunami was an out-of-nowhere, catastrophic event. The hurricane was avoidable, at least in the sense that everyone knew it was coming a week ahead.

Two: I have friends in New Orleans that stayed there because their parents were too stubborn to leave their family home and escape. With the communications being down, I have no idea if they're alive or not. I'm hoping for the best.

Three: Everyone in America will eventually be forced in some way to help the relief aid: taxes, increased insurance premiums, and increased gas prices. If you can afford anything extra from your pocket I know everyone down there would greatly appreciate it.

Four: Anyone bitching about Bush in relation to anything he did before the hurricane as if he somehow could tell it to go away is obviously trolling. I hate the guy, his policies, his cabinet, and pretty much everything else, but even I can't blame him for a goddamn natural disaster happening on his watch.

Five: I doubt the rest of the world is going to outpour support, because it's easier for countries to shrug and go "Well you guys have hurricanes all the time, don't you? Do you need global support for each one now? Or will it just be the 'big ones,' as definied by you guys?" than support America, especially with the world's unfavorable slant on our country right now. Like I said before, the tsunami was a freak occurance but a hurricane is common, and so global pity will be pretty low because "we've been though hurricanes before."

[WangoTango]

My parents and sister live in Illinois and my brothers live in Iowa and Wisconsin. We don't live in shitholes subject to disaster.

Also, just like 9/11, you will all turn on your emotion meter for this one event so you can show your compassion in a finite amount of time, while Rome is burning all around you, just so slowly you vidiots don't notice.

Gas? Walmart? Iraq? Outsourcing?

Hey, it's all cool!

OH MY GOD! A hurricane!! I just shit my pants!!!

[Morratut]

My thoughts are with you guys in the USA who are having a horribly tough time now.

This is one Brit who supports you all :)

[Savok]

I made this post with the clear intention to bring awareness to a human catastrophe in progress, so that those who wanted to help could - and could communicate with each other about how to do so. The EvilAvatar community has always been my favorite because of its honesty and its intelligence.
Where were you when London was bombed? We had fucktards like WangoTango here coming in droves, all sticking the boot in to make themselves feel superior.

Ban the fuckers, seriously, I know this site seems to have very loose rules but I'd like to think that lacking the very core of civility and basic humanity would cross the line.

[automaton]

My parents and sister live in Illinois and my brothers live in Iowa and Wisconsin. We don't live in shitholes subject to disaster.

It is good to know that your first priority when selecting a place to live was how vulnerable you are to natural disasters. The rest of us pretty much live where we work or where we were born.

Everywhere is subject to disaster. The west has earthquakes, the south and east have hurricanes, the north has blizzards. I'll have to remember these sentiments the next time you are burried under 4 feet of snow.

[bapenguin]

if76, good to see you are doing ok!

Some of the ignorance of people is simply amazing. Who cares which fucking disaster was "worse." People are dieing like crazy, bodies are floating through city streets. An entire CITY is underwater.

It's amazing people think it's cool to shit on a situation like this.

[Sinistar]

Again, as I've asked earlier and GrinR who started this post just came around to see - I'm going to have to ask you to PLEASE STOP THIS CRAP NOW.

You want a much better way to use your energy then here's what you can do right now - go out and donate something to the relief effort immediately.

Not later today, not even in a few minutes .

If you can find the time to sit around on a board like this and spew forth such utter vileness while there are catastrophic events happening then you have more than enough time to get off of your ASS right now and do something that is actually helpful.

There are real people in real dire consequences that need your help now.

How many different ways do you need to hear this?

[Bone]

My parents and sister live in Illinois and my brothers live in Iowa and Wisconsin. We don't live in shitholes subject to disaster.

Also, just like 9/11, you will all turn on your emotion meter for this one event so you can show your compassion in a finite amount of time, while Rome is burning all around you, just so slowly you vidiots don't notice.

Gas? Walmart? Iraq? Outsourcing?

Hey, it's all cool!

OH MY GOD! A hurricane!! I just shit my pants!!!
You are an ignorant piece of shit, and a waste of skin. I do hope you get banned from this site. Many of our families have lost everything they have from houses that have weathered many hurricanes in the past without such damage.

For all of you who say you don't feel bad for those who didn't evacuate, maybe you don't understand that not everyone has the cushy lifestyle you enjoy. Many people couldn't afford the gasoline, the food, the nights (now months) of hotel bills, and all the other costs that would come from uprooting themselves at a moment's notice. Hurricanes are normally not this bad, and some people had to take their chances. It's a shitty decision to have to make and not one you should criticize from your comfortable computer chair.

[Evil Avatar]

My parents and sister live in Illinois and my brothers live in Iowa and Wisconsin. We don't live in shitholes subject to disaster.

Illinois? Wisconsin? Not subject to disaster? Remind me to point and laugh at you when a tornado tears your house apart killing everyone you love or the power polls get knocked out for 10 days in a blizzard and your family freezes to death because the roads are too snowed in to go anywhere to get help.

These things can happen to anyone anywhere.

[haujob]

Hey, everyone. I am from the New Orleans-Biloxi area. And when I say from, I mean I was born and bred there for 27 years and only moved to my present location a month and a half ago.

The ironic thing (I hope I'm using that right) is that the main reason we left was, and I'll put this on the set, the weather. Funny, that.

The house I was raised in is gone. Three of my brothers are missing. Everything my wife and I used to do, everywhere we used to go, is not there any more. And I'm quite concerned about the Audubon Zoo.

Anyway, there have been two really helpful sites during all this. They have all kinds of info. NOLA.com and wwltv.com. No, really. Those sites are all you will need until communications come back up.

[Ultima Thulian]

GrinR is right. Let's not flame. Let's help out. As soon as I get my paycheck I'm going to donate. But I got's an idea! I'm going to ask my church pastor to call up donations (if hasn't planned so already) for the hurricane victims and call up prayers. One person can only do so much, but a group of people can really kick ass. I go to a church of about 150 people. So if everyone were just to donate a Lincoln, then we'd raise about $750. People, if you're involved with a church or group, make it a team effort. You'll help out more and it'll even be easier to do!

We all need to do what we are able. If you can't spare a Lincoln, or any money, than hey it's alright. I know what it's like to be in a situation like that and I know it's good to get help of any kind. Lord knows I've been given food when my family was lacking. Me and my Mom now help at the Helping Hand, which gives food to the poor, the same people who gave us food. Give away some old clothes or anything. Just pray and let 'em know that you care. That's what being human is really about. You don't need a reason to help, just do it.

I thank the people who have given out useful links and have done their part. It's also good to see many of the EvAv members living in the hurricane area are okay. I have an uncle who lives in New Orleans. He's alive thank god. He's in Baton Rouge, waiting for it to be safe to return home. If he has a home left. My uncle had to stay there and help out. His family was able to evacuate though. I know there are some people there who stayed out of spite, but there are many who wanted to get out but simply couldn't (like elderly people in Nursing Homes, etc.). Don't let a few "bad apples" sway you from giving help. Thanks for all those who help and prayed. Peace.

[Eon]

No invective here. If my government hasn't helped by Friday, then I'll be donating money myself to the US Red Cross.

I don't care how rich your country is - this is going to hurt, and there's no reason why the US shouldn't have a token of relief from its allies and friends.

[Derwin]

When this is over they're gonna find a LOT of beads...

[bradlay]

Way to stay positive Derwin. Keep yer head up.

[p@ty]

How is the global community reacting? I haven't seen anything regarding this yet.
Well, I want you to know that people in Canada do care (I know, I know, we're boring) and have done more than issue platitudes. Our federal govt has offered ALL assistance and has so far not received any reply from Washington. It is a pretty big issue on our news, why aren't our offers of help being at least responded to. Here in my city (and all the larger canadian cities) we have emergency assistance crews that are waiting for word that the US govt will accept the help. Leave has been cancelled, pending this. So far, silence. But the US govt has got a lot on its plate right now, so probably our offers are not at the top of the "to-answer" list (i'm not being sarcastic, i think its true). Anyway, it doesn't get reported on CNN that all this is happening in another country (even if we are just next door). We really want to help and we are trained and ready. Everybody up here is just so shocked and sad, and we all want to help if needed. Just call your representative to find out if they could get back to us on our offers.....

Wishing you ALL a fast and safe recovery from this truly mind-boggling disaster. We grieve with you.

love p@ty

[Twigz'N'Berries]

Also, America hasn't really endeared itself to the rest of the world in the last couple presidential terms, if you hadn't noticed. Forcing social policy onto other countries because you don't believe that they can form thier own governmental systems isn't exactly the best way to get pats on the back from the rest of the globe.

Should that matter? Our elected government made decisions that were not popular with its own people on many occasions. So what you are saying is that if you sawa man dying in the street, but you knew he was a socialist, you wouldn't help him? This isn't about politics, its about human life.

(climbs down from soapbox) Ok, your point was made. Our gov has ticked off a lot of other world govs. But, they still should send aid and support regardless. The next major disaster that hits a developed country, I hope we sit there and look at them with our purse strings closed if they don't help. We got condemned by the UN for not sending enough aid for the Tsunami victims. Other countries feel free to tell us to spend our money to help elsewhere, I want to see their currency flow in too.

[fzettl@gmail.com]

Fund raising for Hurricane victims in New Orleans - donate and get your collectibles free.


We want to make a substantional contribution to the poor victims of the Hurricane Katarine and offer the following deal:

Place an order with us and 100 % of the sum of items you buy from us will be donated for the Hurricane victims.


How does it work?

1) You tell us how much you would like to donate.
2) You tell us what you collect or what you could use for a present.
3) We send you a list of items to choose from.
4) You make your payment and will receive your item without any extra costs. ( Postage covered by us ).
5) This way 100% of your payment will be donated ( if you want by using your own name ).
6) ( Since we do not know the reaction to this proposal we presently limit our offer to 50 objects ).


e.g.: You say you would want to donate US$ 50 and you need a present for a friend who likes Classical Music.
We send you a list of related items and you would e.g. pick out an autographed photo, lets say José Carreras.
You make the payment tell us the shipping address and we will send the item right away.

Please let us know if you have any suggestions, questions, wishes.

e-mail: fzettl@gmail.com


Sincerely

friedrich www.collect.at

( Be sure there is no catch - but only a true effort to make some contribution ).

[Savok]

AT, that's Austria...

[bradlay]

If the functionality and purpose of the federal government isn't an issue to be discussed in a political framework, then what is? If our infrastructure has collapsed and our first responders are still this disorganized five days later... What kind of issue is to be discussed? The horror of the tragedy? That's apparent. Discussing it is helpful emotionally and to help others understand the size of this disaster. But doesn't the question "what is our government's ability to deal with destruction on a massive scale", in regard to this issue and the issue of terrorism, seem especially relevant? Why the hell do we even have a federal government? Why is Condi Rice buying shoes when Canadian rescue squads can't get clearance to enter our country to join the relief effort? What do we pay our taxes for?